The schools went head-to-head in the third round of the Primary Schools Sports Association knockout competition, a tournament which Ben Venue made the final four in last year. 

On Monday morning, Ben Venue captain George Schmude won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Most of the Tenterfield batsmen struggled against some very strong bowling by the visiting bowlers and after three overs Tenterfield were 3-3.

They then steadied and at the 12 over mark they were 4-37.

Tenterfield went on to be eventually bowled out in 22 overs for a total of 79.

The best batsman for Sir Henry Parkes was their opener Will Holley, who scored a damaging 41 runs.

The best bowlers for Ben Venue were George Schmude 3-6 off five overs and Jessie Marshall 3-11 off three overs.

Ben Venue started their innings very strongly and appeared to be cruising at 0-23 from the opening five overs.

However the Tenterfield bowlers had different ideas and they stepped up their attack and by the time drinks were taken at 12 overs, Ben Venue were down 4-42.

The batting collapse continued as steady rain began falling and after 15 overs, the match was halted.

By the time play was paused Ben Venue had lost another four wickets and were now 8-57.

The rule book was consulted and if play was unable to be continued Ben Venue would win the match with a superior score after 15 overs.

The sun then began shining and the rain stopped and Ben Venue continued their innings needing 23 runs off 10 overs with two wickets in hand.

Almost immediately Tenterfield struck, running out the Ben Venue captain and opening batsman George Schmude for a very valuable 26 runs.

This saw the final batsman Dylan Rush join Alex Harris at the crease and the two boys had nine overs to score 23 runs and Tenterfield needing only the one wicket to claim victory.

The two batsmen played a very cautious innings and over the next 6 overs they defended some tight bowling and scored off any loose balls.

In the 23rd over Ben Venue reached their target and claimed victory with Harris scoring 13 not out and Rush four not out respectively.

The day was also a chance to raise money as Ben Venue had a ‘Red day for Hannah’, to donate to 10-year-old Hannah Whitton, also a student at the school, who is awaiting a heart transplant at Westmead Children’s Hospital. 

The Cricket team raised $143.35 from donations and selling red cakes, biscuits and pikelets.

All of the money raised will go towards supporting Hannah Whitton and her family.